President Joe Biden’s re-election team is embracing the power of internet memes and viral content.
The Biden for President (BFP) campaign recently posted a job listing for a “Partner Manager, Content and Meme Pages,” a position dedicated to engaging with the top digital content creators and meme pages across various social media platforms.
TLDR
- President Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign is hiring a “Partner Manager, Content and Meme Pages” to engage with popular internet meme pages and digital content creators.
- The position offers a competitive salary of up to $85,000 and is based in Wilmington, Delaware.
- The campaign recognizes the importance of leveraging memes and viral content to reach younger voters, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Biden’s team has previously embraced memes like “Dark Brandon” as part of their online strategy, aiming to portray the president as internet-savvy.
- Other political campaigns, such as those of Donald Trump and Ed Markey, have also utilized memes and online movements to connect with voters and drive engagement.
This move reflects the campaign’s recognition of the significant influence that memes and viral content can have in reaching and resonating with younger voters, particularly those on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The successful candidate will be responsible for initiating and managing daily operations, cultivating relationships with digital media companies, podcasters, and prominent meme pages.
The position offers a competitive salary range of $65,000 to $85,000 per year, slightly above the average pay for digital marketers in the United States. The role will be based in Wilmington, Delaware, where the Biden campaign is headquartered.
The decision to hire a dedicated meme manager is not entirely unprecedented. During his 2020 Senate re-election campaign, Ed Markey (D-MA) benefited from an organic online movement called “the Markeyverse,” led by Gen Z activists who utilized memes and digital strategies to mobilize support for the environmentally conscious senator.
Similarly, President Biden’s team has previously embraced the “Dark Brandon” meme, which portrays the president with laser eyes, as part of their efforts to cast him as an internet-savvy figure.
The campaign even sold merchandise featuring the meme, which reportedly accounted for 54% of their campaign store’s revenue in August last year, highlighting its popularity among supporters.
Just like we drew it up. pic.twitter.com/9NBvc5nVZE
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) February 12, 2024
On the other side of the political spectrum, former President Donald Trump’s campaign has also capitalized on viral moments and memes.
Following the circulation of Trump’s mugshot after his indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, his team swiftly released merchandise featuring the image, accompanied by the slogan “Never Surrender,” including T-shirts, mugs, and beer koozies.
The incorporation of memes and online engagement strategies into political campaigns is a reflection of the changing dynamics of modern political discourse.
Dark Brandon made an appearance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. pic.twitter.com/lNfWrNXj0i
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 30, 2023
As digital communication becomes increasingly prevalent, effectively tapping into online communities and leveraging viral content has become imperative for political figures seeking to sway and mobilize voters.
While the concept of a professional meme curator may seem unconventional, it highlights the recognition that online engagement stands on par with traditional grassroots efforts in contemporary politics.
As President Biden seeks re-election, his campaign’s decision to hire a dedicated meme manager underscores the importance of connecting with diverse audiences through relevant and engaging content across various digital platforms.